Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge

Each cabin at the lodge is designed to resemble a shipwreck and each is spread out along the sand dunes. There are 8 Double/Twin bed cabins and 2 Family cabins. Guests will wake up to spectacular desert views and be able to enjoy the sound of waves in the distance from the comfort of their own private viewing deck. Each cabin also has a private bathroom with indoor showers. Other facilities include a safe, wood-burning stove and battery charging facilities. Guests can also enjoy their own tea/coffee station, complimentary laundry service and hairdryers on request at the reception. Whilst the design is inspired by the shipwrecks that rest along the skeleton coast, a light carbon footprint is highly emphasised with the use of solar power, water management and waste management. Wi-Fi will be available but is often intermittent due to the remoteness but makes for an incredibly present stay.

The property has its own lounge, restaurant and dining area at the heart of the lodge for guests to enjoy. A welcoming and cosy environment, guests can enjoy morning coffee or an evening drink on the outdoor deck here, admiring the stunning sandy landscape that is on offer. All meals are included during visitors’ stay as are a variety of drinks.

Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a lunch on the vast empty beach when staying at the lodge. An incredibly private experience, the sensational food is made all the more memorable against the backdrop of the azure Atlantic waters, a refreshing sea breeze and calming sound of the ocean waves. This activity is weather-dependant.

Guests can opt to have an adventure on the Hoarusib River Excursion and spend their morning exploring the stunning natural location. Guests will also be able to visit the clay castles and learn about the striking geological formation. There might even be sightings of desert-adapted elephants, lions and brown hyenas.

One of the main features of staying at Shipwreck Lodge is the shipwrecks that line the coast. Visitors can take a tour and explore this area on their way to the lodge. On your way to the lodge from Mowe Bay and returning to the lodge, you will be able to see what is left along the coastline: decaying ships, the abandoned Westies Diamond Mine and the remains of a Ventura Bomber. Guests can also visit the seal colony, admiring even more nature along the way.

Those who are seeking a more adventurous activity can take part in quad biking at the lodge. Guides will be available to take guests on a scenic tour along the roaring sand dunes for 1.5 hours. This excursion is conducted in an area that has been specifically allocated for the purpose by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to ensure that the natural location is not damaged. Quad biking allows guests to bask in the hot sun and raise their adrenaline, taking to the desert at high speeds. When you feel as though you need a break, the naturally stunning views of the sand dunes as far as the eye can see make it the perfect area to catch your breath. The minimum age requirement for this activity is 16 years for safety reasons.

This thrilling adventure takes guests to explore more of the dunes of the oldest desert in the world. Guests will be able to slide down the golden dunes on a sand board whilst enjoying refreshments on this outing. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and will raise your adrenaline, making it ideal for adventure seekers staying at the lodge.

This is the perfect chance to admire the stunning bright sunsets that Namibia has to offer. Watch the sun disappear into the Atlantic Ocean whilst enjoying a drink, marvelling at the open space and sound of the desert. It’s certainly a romantic option for couples staying at the lodge, allowing them to get away from the property and explore the beauty of the area.

Shipwreck Lodge is partnered with two conservancies; the Puros Conservancy and the Sesfontein Conservancy. This makes up the majority of the population of Ovahimba and Ovaherero people. The property recruits its staff from these conservancies to support locals and their households. The company has also purchased 4X4 vehicles to assist these conservancies, aiding environmental and wildlife management.

The conservancies are paid monthly fees of 8% of the turnover of the lodge business. This allows the locals to benefit from the tourism that Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge brings in. There are currently 83 registered conservancies in Namibia and tourism is a key source of income for many of them.

Having a low carbon footprint is of crucial importance to Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge. The property has received the 5-Flower Top Award from Eco Awards Namibia due to their outstanding focus on environmental consciousness. This includes their focus on prioritising solar energy, water management and waste management at the property.

The property takes advantage of the naturally hot location and uses solar energy to keep the lodge running without contributing to an unnecessary carbon footprint. This allows the property to power the electrics of both the guests and staff.

Due to being located in a desert area, water management is prioritised so that none goes to waste and waste management is important so that the natural environment is not effected. The property only allows a small amount of guests to stay at one time so that the water supply is not being overused and so that there is also not an excess of waste being produced by the tourism that is being brought in.